Backing local clubs to keep Victorians safe on our roads

Published date: 27 May 2026

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) is backing grassroots football and netball clubs across the state to help keep Victorians safe on our roads.

The 2026 TAC Club Rewards Program was launched at Timboon Demons Football Netball Club, in south-west Victoria, supporting clubs to lead local road safety conversations and encourage safer choices.

Delivered in partnership with AFL Victoria, the program invites clubs to apply for a share of $700,000 to deliver community initiatives that help influence behaviour on the roads and save lives.

Now in its seventh year, the program will focus on speeding, encouraging clubs to lead by example with the message: "Be the Difference. Make the Right Choice. Slow Down on the Road."

Clubs can apply for up to $10,000 to invest in projects that strengthen their club and support safer communities. Funding can be used to improve transport options, upgrade facilities or deliver local road safety initiatives.

Last year, 320 clubs across Victoria received funding through the program, continuing strong participation from communities across the state.

Among the recipients were Timboon Demons FNC, Sebastopol FNC, Garfield FNC and Cheltenham FC, demonstrating the role local clubs can play in making road safety part of everyday conversations.

The program comes as Victoria continues to focus on reducing road trauma, with 105 lives lost on Victorian roads so far this year, including 62 deaths in regional areas.

Football and netball clubs are at the centre of communities across Victoria, with players, volunteers and supporters travelling on the same roads every week.

Programs like Club Rewards are helping communities look out for one another and encouraging safer decisions on and off the field. More information on the TAC Club Rewards Program here.

Quote attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety and Community Sport Ros Spence

"Our local football and netball clubs play an important role in bringing communities together and helping influence positive change."

"This program is backing clubs to start important conversations and encourage safer choices that can help reduce trauma on our roads."

Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney

"Local football and netball clubs play an important role in bringing communities together, and this program is helping them create safer habits and stronger communities across regional Victoria."

Quote attributable to TAC Head of Community, Fin Bird

"We see the impact of road trauma every day and remain focused on supporting people through recovery while helping prevent these incidents from happening in the first place."

"Programs like Club Rewards help take road safety into communities, where important messages can have a real impact."

Quote attributable to Head of AFL Victoria Greg Madigan

"Football and netball clubs are trusted parts of communities right across Victoria."

"This program supports clubs to lead by example and create a culture where looking out for each other extends beyond the field."

Audio Files

TAC Head of Community, Fin Bird.

AFLVic Head, Greg Madigan.

Pictured (from left): Head of AFLVic Greg Madigan, TAC Head of Community Fin Bird, Timboon footballer Mitch Wallace.

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(Left to right): Head of AFL Victoria, Greg Madigan, TAC Head of Community, Fin Bird, Timboon Demons footballer, Mitch Wallace, Timboon Demons FNC President, Mick Hunt, Timboon Demons footballer, Ned Deppeler, and AFL Victoria Western District Regional Manager, Jason Muldoon.

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Left to Right, Timboon Demons FC President Mick Hunt, Timboon Demons FC player Ned Deppeler, and AFL Victoria Western District Regional Manager, Jason Muldoon.

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